Where To Find The Best Coffee In Canberra

Whether you’re after the perfect piccolo or cold brew, we’ve found the best coffee in Canberra.

Wondering where to find the best coffee in Canberra? The decision depends on your preferences and palate. There are so many talented baristas in the nation’s capital that it’s difficult to narrow down who’s the best at pulling shots. But the good news is it means you can find a great brew no matter which neighbourhood you stay in when visiting Canberra.

The city known for its vibrant restaurants and cosy cafes is also peppered with a plethora of purveyors of specialty coffee. Here are 20 places that serve the best coffee in Canberra.

1. Arc

Caff-fiends who have been downright villainous about keeping this place a secret can complete their redemption arc by deploying the #bestcoffeeinCanberra hashtag.

For starters, Arc , part of Redbrick Coffee, is popular due to its proximity to Canberra’s CBD at the A by Adina Hotel. Arc also does a fine breakfast.

a cup of coffee at Arc, Canberra — Arc is where specialty brews and refined flavours meet.

On the coffee front, beans are by Redbrick (of course), and you can pick up bags to take away, too. This cafe is hugely popular with office workers so best to arrive before 9am to avoid rush hour.

the cafe interior of Arc, Canberra — The interior design blends modern aesthetics with warmth.

Address: 1 Constitution Ave

2. Recess Coffee

Recess Coffee is brought to you by the talented team behind the acclaimed cafe Barrio Collective and the hatted restaurant Terra. Join the steady trickle of caffeine-starved locals and travellers queuing at the café, which doubles as a vinyl bar, for their morning espresso.

coffee packs on display at Recess Coffee, Canberra — Recess Coffee creates its own roasted blends.

It’s one of the best cafes to try in Canberra for coffee as it roasts its own beans. There is also a range of delectable all-day dining options including avo on sourdough and eggs benedict with saffron hollandaise, pancakes with maple butter and B&E brekkie muffins.

pouring a syrup over pancakes at Recess Coffee, Canberra — Pair your coffee with sweet pancakes.

Address: 6B Barker St, Griffith

3. Intra

Intra is in the business of perfecting coffee. And if we could, we’d enjoy it Intra-venously. The cosy cafe in leafy Campbell is one of the best places for coffee in Canberra due to the quality beans it sources from Barrio Collective .

the cafe exterior of Intra, Canberra — The cafe is designed with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. (Image: VisitCanberra)

The blends change seasonally depending on which beans are best. The specialty coffee and food venue also stocks single-origin coffee from Edition Coffee Roasters in Sydney.

a hand holding a breakfast bowl at Intra, Canberra — Intra serves up generous breakfast bowls. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Its breakfast menu is short and sweet, and includes the chashu bacon and egg roll, which has a cult following. Check out Intra’s buzzy Braddon venue, B-Side .

a hand holding a cup of latte at Intra, Canberra — They serve expertly crafted specialty coffee sourced from Barrio Collective and Edition Coffee Roasters. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 30/12 Provan St, Campbell

4. Lava

There are three iterations of Lava across Canberra – in Kingston, Weston and Phillip. And the driving principle behind this trifecta of popular places is for highly trained baristas to brew coffees with specially selected top-quality beans.

the cafe interior of Lava, Canberra — This industrial-chic interior.

A hot tip: check out @Lava_Coffee on Instagram so you can find out more about your friendly baristas. Oh and do check the specials board for brekkie staples such as BLATs and avo on toast.

Address: Various in Kingston, Weston and Phillip

5. Barrio Collective

The Barrio Collective acts as a bit of an incubator for a lot of Canberra’s top baristas. And while you’ll find some of the best cafes and coffee spots in Canberra use Barrio Collective’s beans, it’s compulsory to head to the OG cafe to access all their offerings. The space has ample outdoor seating and is dog-friendly.

If you’re hungry, it’s worth trying its stacked toasties. Sip your chosen brew alongside a piece of toast spread with ‘mushymite’, a fermented mushroom product with a similar taste to Australia’s favourite spread.

al fresco dining at Barrio Collective, Canberra — There’s ample seating outside for those wanting to dine al fresco. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 59/30 Lonsdale St, Braddon

6. ONA Coffee House

You’ll find ONA Coffee beans in cafes across Australia. The company was founded in a garage in 2008 by ex-Olympic handball player and world champion barista Saša Šestić. Fast forward to today and the brand is now known around the world for its premium blends.

a latte art at ONA Coffee House, Canberra — ONA Coffee House in Fyshwick is renowned for its expertly crafted specialty coffees. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Visiting ONA Coffee House in Fyshwick is the ideal way to explore its entire signature range of house blends and single-origin coffees. Enjoy a latte with breakfast on the deck, then take home some specialty beans for your espresso machine.

a plate of food at ONA Coffee House Fyshwick — ONA Coffee House offers brunch plates packed with local produce. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 68 Wollongong St, Fyshwick

7. The Cupping Room

One of ONA Coffee’s first forays into Canberra’s cafe culture was with The Cupping Room . And the eatery remains one of the best places in Canberra to get coffee and one of the most stylish.

a look inside The Cupping Room, Canberra — The Cupping Room is one of the most stylish spots to grab a coffee. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Flick to page 236 of Lonely Planet’s Global Coffee Tour and you’ll find an entry on The Cupping Room.

the cafe exterior of The Cupping Room, Canberra — Step into this artsy cafe for brekkie. (Image: VisitCanberra)

The baristas treat coffee like an art form here and you’ll find ONA Coffee’s great roasts, plus an extensive and Instagram-worthy array of brunch dishes like Bircher muesli with apple-ginger gel, chorizo skillet and stracciatella toast.

making latte art at The Cupping Room, Canberra — Every cup is a work of art. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 1/1-13 University Ave, Canberra

8. Highroad

As Canberra’s biggest roastery, ONA Coffee has its hand in many of Canberra’s best cafes for getting a morning fix of coffee. Highroad was the first ONA outlet and it remains one of the most popular in Canberra’s northern suburb of Dickson. The focus at the industrial-chic cafe is on community. If your schedule is looking leisurely take the time to order brunch after admiring your latte art. The modern, airy space is designed to make you linger and one of the best places in Canberra for breakfast and brunch.

Address: Cnr Cape & Woolley St, Dickson

9. Gather

Have a gatho at Gather if you’re staying in Braddon. In addition to serving what many consider to be the best coffee in Canberra, the cafe should be your go-to for its sustainable approach to sourcing produce from local suppliers across the ACT and NSW.

a close-up of food at Gather cafe, Canberra — Gather is celebrated for its healthy, locally sourced food. (Image: Pew Pew Studio)

Free-range eggs are from Hilltop in Boorowa. Milk is from Country Valley in Picton. And Gather’s house blend of Ethiopian, Brazilian and Colombian beans is roasted in Braddon. The cafe also has breakfast classics like smashed avo and corn fritters.

Address: 4/24 Mort St, Braddon

10. Ritual

There’s a coffee order for every coffee geek at Ritual on the ground floor of the classy Little National Hotel in Barton. The No. 1 attraction at the hip inner-city café in the Realm Precinct is the coffee. But don’t forget to order a few pastries, too, which pair perfectly with a rich, aromatic latte. Ritual is also considered one of the best cafes in Canberra for its toasted sangas and various iterations of smashed avo on toast. The baristas make the habitual observance of a morning brew an enjoyable daily ritual.

Address: 21 National Circuit, Barton

11. Two Before Ten

Two Before Ten cafes have sprouted all over the nation’s capital, from Barton to Brindabella, Majura to Murrumbatemen.

pouring milk over a pastry at Two Before Ten cafe, Canberra — Order scrumptious morning treats to pair with your coffee. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Known for its excellent tree-to-cup coffee and commitment to sustainability, Two Before Ten is as much about building community as it is about serving great coffee.

the Two Before Ten cafe signage in Canberra — Two Before Ten is arguably one of the coolest coffee spots in Canberra. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Visit the Aranda cafe to get an understanding of the brand: this bustling community cafe also includes a roastery, a yoga studio and an expansive urban farm with fruit trees and beehives.

a hand holding a cup of coffee — This hotspot is a cornerstone of Canberra’s cafe culture. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 68 Bandjalong Cres, Aranda

12. The Front Café and Gallery

The Front is another offshoot of Two Before Ten. It’s both a café and gallery that supports Canberra creatives with a roster of exhibitions held throughout the calendar year.

potted plants outside The Front Café and Gallery, Canberra — The Front Café and Gallery is an inviting space for both dining and enjoying art. (Image: Ben Calvert)

The Two by Ten spin-off is also worthy of our support for its dedication to supporting suppliers that are environmentally and socially sustainable.

a cup of coffee at The Front Café and Gallery, Canberra — Enjoy expertly brewed coffee from Two Before Ten. (Image: Ben Calvert)

In addition to excellent espressos, expect sweet concoctions such as cinnamon French toast with seasonal fruits, strawberry mascarpone cream and pistachio crumb.

a table-top view of food plates at The Front Café and Gallery, Canberra — This cafe and gallery boasts a mouth-watering brunch menu.

Address: 1 Wattle Place, Lyneham

13. Little Oink

Swinophobes should avoid Little Oink at all costs. The cute and quirky cafe is all about little piggies with a collection of pig figurines and an enduring oink theme throughout. Owner Natalie has a penchant for all things pig-related which extends to menu items such as the Wild Boar with bacon, chorizo, mushrooms and spinach on sourdough.

salmon toast at Little Oink, Canberra — Toasted sourdough, spinach, smoked salmon, poached eggs, Persian feta, herbs, and hollandaise.

You can also get your snout into an Oinko Burger with eggs, bacon, avo, relish and cheese. The Cook-based business uses Two Before Ten to serve some of the best coffee in Canberra.

Address: 22 Cook Place

14. Urban Pantry

Urban Pantry is a mainstay in Manuka (pronounced Marnika, not Manooka). The hip, happening Canberra neighbourhood has no shortage of wonderful places to eat and drink.

the cafe exterior of Urban Pantry, Canberra — Urban Pantry is a stalwart of the Canberra coffee scene. (Image: Urban Pantry)

But the lively, light-filled venue in the heart of the leafy landmark Manuka Lawns is one of our absolute favourite cafes in Canberra for its culture.

Start with buttermilk pancakes or mushroom bruschetta in the cafe’s white and bright interior overlooking the sun-splashed park. Then linger on the Lawns with a rich and flavourful coffee.

a glass of coffee at Urban Pantry, Canberra — Enjoy high-quality coffee sourced from local roasters. (Image: VisitCanberra)

Address: 5 Bougainville St, Griffith

15. Rye

Lonsdale Street is one of Canberra’s epicentres for creativity and emblematic of life in buzzy Braddon. The Scandi-styled Rye cafe favours Five Senses Coffee which the baristas brew into consistently good coffees. Order the smørrebrød, a Danish open sandwich served on seeded dark rye bread with a side salad and a beetroot latte. The action at Rye spills outside so order an iced coffee to go so you can join the crowds promenading on the pavement.

Address: 3/9 Lonsdale St, Braddon

16. Teddy Picker’s

First things first. Teddy Picker’s is known for being one of the best places for coffee in Canberra. But you’ll find locals throwing spicy chai lattes and Teddy’s hot chocs down their gullets too because they’re simply dreamy.

This contemporary Campbell cafe on Constitution Avenue draws a diverse clientele of fitness types looking to refuel after hiking up Mt Ainslie. Pair your coffee with culinary offerings such as eggs on toast with chilli jam and Teddy’s fab French toast.

eggs benedict at Teddy Picker’s, Canberra — Tuck into their all-day breakfast.

Address: 53/65 Constitution Avenue, Campbell

17. Mocan & Green Grout

This sunny corner cafe in NewActon is hugely popular with guests staying in nearby hotels such as the quirky QT Canberra. The cosy open-all-day cafe looks like it’s been fitted out by an eccentric collector.

the cafe exterior of Mocan & Green Grout — Potted plants and fresh herbs are grown at the entrance. (Image: VisitCanberra)

And that rustic charm is part of its appeal. Think wooden shelving, brass-topped tables, jars of house-made pickles and flower-filled vases.

a close-up of food at Mocan & Green Grout — Consume healthy plates at Mocan & Green Grout. (Image: VisitCanberra)

The name Mocan means ‘strong and reliable’ in a dialect spoken in Trieste, where one of the owners’ family is from and you’ll find the green grout between the beautiful hand-painted tiles in one section. It’s a super-cool environment to enjoy a house coffee blend or pot of Real Chai.

Address: 1/19 Marcus Clarke St, NewActon

18. Café Sosta

You’ll find a lot of locals wearing soft, stretchy clothing at Café Sosta as they’ve either walked or ridden here. The Italian-inspired riverfront cafe is at the Red Shed rowing facility on Black Mountain Peninsula.

garnishing a plate at Café Sosta in Canberra — Feast on savoury breakfast plates at Café Sosta. (Image: Adam McGrath)

Sosta means ‘stopover’ in Italian which is what its location calls for. The venture is led by Bisa Hospitality, the group behind Joe’s Bar, Agostinis and Occasioni by Agostinis at the East Hotel so you’re guaranteed one of the best coffees in Canberra.

the interior of Café Sosta in Canberra — Sit down for coffee at this light-filled cafe. (Image: Adam McGrath)

Pair your perfect piccolo with breakfast risotto with poached pear or pane della casa topped with pork and fennel meatballs.

Address: John Cardiff Close, Black Mountain Peninsula

19. & Sando

It’s no surprise that restaurateur Matt Moran’s deli-style sandwich shop makes some of the best sandos in the nation’s capital. It’s also one of the best places for coffee in Canberra.

the coffee counter at &Sando, Canberra — The space is designed for takeaways. (Image: Buffet Digital / &Sando)

Those in search of the perfect flavour-layered sando will find it here at & Sando, an offshoot of Moran’s Compa Ristorante next door.

sandwich and coffee at &Sando, Canberra — The cafe staff makes droolworthy sandwiches. (Image: Buffet Digital / &Sando)

Expect your coffee and every element of your sandwich to be put together with care. You’ll need two hands to enjoy the ‘spicy deli’ combo of cold cuts, tomato, pickled carrot and provolone on sourdough. & Sando is not for you keto freaks. Coffee is by Sydney’s Single O.

a close-up of a sandwich at &Sando, Canberra — Every sandwich is made with fresh ingredients. (Image: Buffet Digital / &Sando)

Address: 148 Bunda St

20. Three Mills Bakery

Is there anything better than the aroma of fresh-baked croissants? Three Mills Bakery is one of the best purveyors of specialty coffee in Canberra. But the casual spot, which has outlets all over the city, also offers customers pastries to take home and bake in their home oven. It’s worth a trip to the underrated suburb of Fyshwick, where it all began, to sip on an espresso that will be one of the best cups of coffee you enjoy in Canberra. But being able to pluck out pastries from the freezer to bake in your home oven adds to the experience.

bread at Three Mills Bakery, Canberra — Three Mills Bakery whips up freshly baked goods to enjoy with your coffee. (Image: Richard Poulton / VisitCanberra)

Address: Leeton Street, Fyshwick

For more tried and tested eating out options in Canberra, read our round-up of family-friendly restaurants, or our hit list of breakfast and brunch spots in Canberra.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.